Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/396,256, entitled STERILIZATION METHODS ANDSYSTEMS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, MarkA. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 31 Mar. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication No. UNKNOWN, entitled SURVEYING STERILIZER METHODS ANDSYSTEMS, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T.Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 25 Apr. 2006

Both of the above-referenced applications are currently co-pending, orare applications of which a currently co-pending application is entitledto the benefit of the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as setforth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not tobe construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be usedfor monitoring sterilization status within numerous contexts, such ashealth-care and manufacturing facilities.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces andgenerating one or more signals in response to the comparing. In additionto the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims,drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes receiving one ormore signals generated in response to comparing one or moresterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to one ormore sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces andresponding to the receiving. In addition to the foregoing, other methodaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a partof the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes circuitry forcomparing one or more sterilization statuses associated with one or moreobjects to one or more sterilization levels associated with one or morespaces and circuitry for generating one or more signals in response tothe comparing. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes circuitry forreceiving one or more signals generated in response to comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces andcircuitry for responding to the receiving. In addition to the foregoing,other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and textforming a part of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes means forcomparing one or more sterilization statuses associated with one or moreobjects to one or more sterilization levels associated with one or morespaces and means for generating one or more signals in response to thecomparing. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes means forreceiving one or more signals generated in response to comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces andmeans for responding to the receiving. In addition to the foregoing,other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and textforming a part of the present disclosure.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting theherein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming canbe virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmwareconfigured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending uponthe design choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing,other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and textforming a part of the present disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings, claims, and thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to monitoring methods.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to monitoring methods.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow representing circuitry relatedto monitoring systems.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow representing circuitry relatedto monitoring systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to providea method that may be used to monitor sterilization status. In someembodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide a method that may beused to facilitate entry of one or more objects 102 into one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide amethod that may be used to prohibit entry of one or more objects 102into one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the system 100 isoperable to provide a method that may be used to track movement of oneor more objects 102. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable toprovide a method that may be used to record movement of one or moreobjects 102. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to providea method that may be used to record one or more sterilization statusesof one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, the system 100 isoperable to provide a method that may be used to promote thesterilization of one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 is operable to provide a method that may be used to promotesterilization of one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the system100 is operable to provide a method that may be used to prohibit entryof one or more non-sterile objects 102 into one or more spaces 104. Insome embodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide a method thatmay be used to prohibit entry of one or more non-sterile objects 102into one or more sterile spaces 104. In some embodiments, the system 100is operable to provide a method that may be used to prohibit entry ofone or more sterile objects 102 into one or more non-sterile spaces 104.In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide a method thatmay be used to prohibit reuse of one or more objects 102. In someembodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide a method that may beused to promote reuse of one or more objects 102 following sterilizationof the one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, the system 100 isoperable to provide a method that may be used to prohibit entry of oneor more humans into one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 is operable to provide a method that may be used to promoteentry of one or more humans into one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, the system 100 is operable to provide a method that may beused to prohibit entry of one or more humans into one or more spaces 104that include one or more humans. In some embodiments, the system 100 isoperable to provide a method that may be used to promote entry of one ormore humans into one or more spaces 104 that include one or more humans.

Comparing Unit

The system 100 may include one or more comparing units 106. In someembodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can detect one or moresterilization statuses 108 that are associated with one or more objects102. In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can detect oneor more sterilization levels 110 that are associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 cancompare one or more sterilization statuses 108 that are associated withone or more objects 102 to one or more sterilization levels 110 that areassociated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the one ormore comparing units 106 can determine if one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 are above one or more values associated with one or moresterilization levels 110. In some embodiments, the one or more comparingunits 106 can determine if one or more sterilization statuses 108 arebelow one or more values associated with one or more sterilizationlevels 110. In some embodiments, the one or more comparing units 106 candetermine if one or more sterilization statuses 108 are within a rangeof values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, multiple sterilization levels 110 may be associated withone or more spaces 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 can compare one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102 to one or more sterilizationlevels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104. Comparing units 106can utilize numerous technologies to detect one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102. For example, insome embodiments, comparing units 106 can detect fluorescent indicators,radio frequency signals, magnetic properties, color changes of chemicalindicators, bar codes, and the like. Use of such detection methods areknown and have been described (i.e., U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,979: Electronicsystem for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized andassociated method, herein incorporated by reference). In someembodiments, comparing units 106 may utilize technologies that include,but are not limited to, motion detectors, infrared detectors, retinalscanners, weight detectors, and the like. In some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 can change the sterilization status 108associated with one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 can change the sterilization status 108associated with one or more objects 102 after the one or more objects102 have been sterilized. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 can change the sterilization status 108 associatedwith one or more objects 102 that were initially associated with a lowsterilization status 108 to a high sterilization status 108 after theone or more objects 102 were sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 can change the sterilization status 108associated with one or more objects 102 that were initially associatedwith a high sterilization status 108 to a low sterilization status 108after the one or more objects 102 were exposed to a non-sterile space104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106may change one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one ormore objects 102 to substantially any sterilization status 108.Comparing units 106 may be configured in numerous ways. Examples of suchconfigurations include, but are not limited to, bracelets, rings, cards,necklaces, badges and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may detect one ormore objects 102 with which one or more sterilization statuses 108 havenot been associated. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 indicatingentry, exit and/or substantially any combination thereof of one or moreobjects 102 into, or out of, one or more spaces 104. For example, insome embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may detect entry of anobject 102, such as a mouse, that has not been associated with one ormore sterilization statuses 108 into, or out of, one or more spaces 104.Accordingly, the one or more comparing units 106 may generate one ormore signals 112 indicating entry, exit, or substantially anycombination thereof of the object 102, such as the mouse, from the oneor more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 maybe associated with one or more recording units 116 to record thepresence of the one or more objects 102, such as the mouse, within theone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112may be associated with one or more alert units 128 to indicate thepresence of the one or more objects 102, such as the mouse, within theone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more comparing units106 will associate one or more non-sterile statuses 108 to one or moreobjects 102 that have not previously been associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108. For example, in some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 may detect entry of a fly into one or morespaces 104 and may associate one or more non-sterile sterilizationstatuses 108 with the fly. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 indicatingentry of a non-sterile fly into one or more spaces 104. Such signals 112may be associated with one or more recording units 116 and/or one ormore alert units 128 to record and/or indicate the presence of the flywithin the one or more spaces 104.

Sterilization Status

Numerous criteria may be used to associate one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 with one or more objects 102. Such criteria include, butare not limited to, the identity of an object 102, the length of timethat an object 102 was sterilized, the type of sterilizing agent used tosterilize an object 102, the last time that an object 102 wassterilized, the number of times that an object 102 has been used, thenumber of times that an object 102 has been sterilized, the frequencywith which an object 102 is sterilized, the purpose for which an object102 is used, the type of contamination to which an object 102 wasexposed, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the sterilization status 108 associated with an object 102may indicate that the object 102 is non-sterile. In some embodiments,the sterilization status 108 associated with an object 102 may indicatethat the object 102 is sterile. In some embodiments, the sterilizationstatus 108 associated with an object 102 may indicate that the object102 is sterile with regard to one or more types of contamination. Insome embodiments, the sterilization status 108 associated with an object102 may indicate that the object 102 is non-sterile with regard to oneor more types of contamination. For example, an object 102 may besterile with regard to a bacterial contaminant but not sterile withregard to contamination with a prion. In some embodiments, sterile ornon-sterile sterilization status 108 may be associated with one or moreobjects 102 according to a relative scale. For example, in someembodiments, one or more objects 102 may be associated with sterilestatus if it is thought that there is less than one survivingmicroorganism per one million objects 102 that have been sterilized(i.e., sterilization assurance level defined by European StandardEN556). In some embodiments, one or more sterilization statuses 108 maybe defined and verified through use of known standards and methods, suchas those put forth by the International Standards Organization (i.e.,ISO 11137 and ISO 11135). In some embodiments, a numerical scale may beused to associate one or more sterilization statuses 108 with one ormore objects 102. For example, in some embodiments, a range of numbersfrom zero to ten may be used to define one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102. In someembodiments, a range of numbers from zero to one hundred may be used todefine one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one ormore objects 102. Accordingly, substantially any numerical range may beused to define one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated withone or more objects 102. In some embodiments, sterilization status 108may be defined through use of relative terms. Examples of such termsinclude, but are not limited to, sterile, non-sterile, very low, low,medium, high, very high and the like.

Numerous technologies may be used to indicate one or more sterilizationstatuses 108. Examples of such technologies include, but are not limitedto, use of fluorescent indicators, radio frequency signals, magneticproperties, color changes of chemical indicators, and bar codes whichmay be used to indicate one or more sterilization statuses 108. Suchtechnologies are known and have been described (i.e., U.S. Pat. No.6,485,979: Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to besterilized and associated method, herein incorporated by reference).These, and other, technologies may be configured in numerous ways thatinclude, but are not limited to, bracelets, rings, cards, necklaces,badges and the like. In some embodiments, such technologies may beassociated with one or more objects 102.

Sterilization Level

Numerous criteria may be used to associate one or more sterilizationlevels 110 with one or more spaces 104. Such criteria include, but arenot limited to, the length of time that a space 104 was sterilized, thetype of sterilizing agent used to sterilize the space 104, the last timethat the space 104 was sterilized, the number of times that the space104 has been used, the number of times that the space 104 has beensterilized, the frequency with which the space 104 is sterilized, thepurpose for which the space 104 is used, the type of contamination towhich the space 104 is exposed and/or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the sterilization level 110 associatedwith a space 104 may indicate that the space 104 is non-sterile. In someembodiments, the sterilization level 110 associated with a space 104 mayindicate that the space 104 is sterile. In some embodiments, thesterilization level 110 associated with a space 104 may indicate thatthe space 104 is sterile with regard to one or more types ofcontamination. In some embodiments, the sterilization level 110associated with a space 104 may indicate that the space 104 isnon-sterile with regard to one or more types of contamination. Forexample, a space 104 may be sterile with regard to a bacterialcontaminant but non-sterile with regard to contamination with a prion.In some embodiments, one or more spaces 104 may be associated with oneor more sterilization levels 110 according to a standard (i.e.,sterilization assurance level defined by European Standard EN556). Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization levels 110 can be definedand verified through use of known standards and methods, such as thoseput forth by the International Standards Organization (i.e., ISO 11137and ISO 11135).

In some embodiments, a numerical scale may be used to associate one ormore sterilization levels 110 with one or more spaces 104. For example,in some embodiments, a range of numbers from zero to ten may be used todefine one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, a range of numbers from zero to onehundred may be used to define one or more sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. Accordingly, substantially anynumerical range may be used to define one or more sterilization levels110 associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization levels 110 may be defined through use of relativeterms. Examples of such relative terms include, but are not limited to,very low, low, high-low, low-medium, medium, high-medium, low-high,high, very high and the like. In some embodiments, one or morecompliance ranges can be associated with one or more sterilizationlevels 110. For example, in some embodiments, a first compliance rangemay be associated with one or more first types of contamination and asecond compliance range may be associated with one or more second typesof contamination. In some embodiments, one compliance range isassociated with one sterilization level I 10. In some embodiments, onecompliance range is associated with one or more sterilization levels110. In some embodiments, a compliance range may be defined to include aminimum value and values above the minimum value. For example, in someembodiments, a space 104 may be associated with sterilization levels 110having a range of zero to ten and a compliance range having values ofseven and above. Accordingly, objects 102 associated with asterilization status 108 having a value of seven or above may enter intothe space 104 in compliance with the compliance range associated withthe space 104. In contrast, objects 102 associated with a sterilizationstatus 108 having a value that is less than seven are outside of thecompliance range and entry of such objects 102 into the space 104 is innoncompliance with the compliance range associated with thesterilization level 110.

In some embodiments, a compliance range may be defined to include amaximum value and values below the maximum value. For example, in someembodiments, a space 104 may be associated with sterilization levels 110having a range of zero to ten and a compliance range having values ofthree and below. Accordingly, objects 102 associated with asterilization status 108 having a value of three or below may enter intothe space 104 in compliance with the compliance range associated withthe space 104. In contrast, objects 102 associated with a sterilizationstatus 108 having a value that is greater than three are outside of thecompliance range and entry of such objects 102 into the space 104 is innoncompliance with the compliance range associated with thesterilization level 110. In some embodiments, a compliance range may bedefined to include a minimum value, a maximum value, and values betweenthe minimum and maximum values. For example, in some embodiments, aspace 104 may be associated with sterilization levels 110 having a rangeof zero to ten and a compliance range having values of three to seven.Accordingly, objects 102 associated with a sterilization status 108having values of three, seven, and values between three and seven, mayenter into the space 104 in compliance with the compliance rangeassociated with the space 104. In contrast, objects 102 associated witha sterilization status 108 having a value that is less than three orgreater than seven are outside of the compliance range and entry of suchobjects 102 into the space 104 is in noncompliance with the compliancerange associated with the sterilization level 110.

In some embodiments, a compliance range may be defined to include arange of relative values. For example, in some embodiments, a space maybe associated with sterilization levels 110 having a range of relativevalues that are low to high and a compliance range that includes amedium relative value and higher. Accordingly, objects 102 associatedwith a sterilization status 108 having values of medium or higher mayenter into the space 104 in compliance with the compliance rangeassociated with the space 104. In contrast, objects 102 associated witha sterilization status 108 having relative values that are less thanmedium are outside of the compliance range and entry of such objects 102into the space 104 is in noncompliance with the compliance rangeassociated with the sterilization level 110.

In some embodiments, a space may be associated with sterilization levels110 having a range of relative values that are low to high and acompliance range that includes a medium relative value and lower.Accordingly, objects 102 associated with a sterilization status 108having values of medium or lower may enter into the space 104 incompliance with the compliance range associated with the space 104. Incontrast, objects 102 associated with a sterilization status 108 havingrelative values that are greater than medium are outside of thecompliance range and entry of such objects 102 into the space 104 is innoncompliance with the compliance range associated with thesterilization level 110.

In some embodiments, a compliance range may be defined to include arange of relative values that include a minimum and a maximum. Forexample, in some embodiments, a space may be associated withsterilization levels 110 having a range of relative values that are lowto high and a compliance range that includes low-medium to high-mediumrelative values. Accordingly, objects 102 associated with asterilization status 108 having values of low-medium to high-medium mayenter into the space 104 in compliance with the compliance rangeassociated with the space 104. In contrast, objects 102 associated witha sterilization status 108 having relative values that are greater thanhigh-medium or less than low-medium are outside of the compliance rangeand entry of such objects 102 into the space 104 is in noncompliancewith the compliance range associated with the sterilization level 110.

Numerous technologies may be used to indicate one or more sterilizationlevels 110. Examples of such technologies include, but are not limitedto, use of fluorescent indicators, radio frequency signals, magneticproperties, color changes of chemical indicators, and bar codes whichmay be used to indicate one or more sterilization levels 110. Suchtechnologies are known and have been described (i.e., U.S. Pat. No.6,485,979: Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to besterilized and associated method, herein incorporated by reference).These, and other, technologies may be configured in numerous ways thatinclude, but are not limited to, bracelets, rings, cards, necklaces,badges and the like. In some embodiments, such technologies may beassociated with one or more spaces 104.

Space

System 100 may be used to monitor numerous spaces 104. Examples ofspaces 104 include, but are not limited to, hospitals, pharmaceuticalproduction facilities, food preparation and/or packaging facilities,dental offices, medical offices, operating rooms, veterinary clinics,medical examination rooms, and the like. In some embodiments, a space104 is a human body. In some embodiments, a space 104 is a non-humanbody. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization levels 110 may beassociated with one or more spaces 104. For example, a hospital waitingroom may be associated with a lower sterilization level 110 than ahospital operating room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationlevels 110 may be associated with one or more spaces 104 based on theidentity of the one or more spaces 104. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more spaces 104 may be part of a human, ornon-human, body.

Object

System 100 may include numerous types of objects 102 that may be used innumerous industries. In some embodiments, the objects 102 are related tothe food industry. Examples of such objects 102 include, but are notlimited to, food containers, utensils, food service workers, and thelike. In some embodiments, the objects 102 are related to thepharmaceutical industry. Examples of such objects 102 include, but arenot limited to, pharmaceutical packaging, pharmaceutical workers,machinery, and the like. In some embodiments, the objects 102 arerelated to the medical industry. Examples of such objects 102 include,but are not limited to, gloves, medical instruments, dental instruments,containers, tools, food, humans, non-human animals, parts of a humansuch as hands, hospital equipment, and the like.

Signal

System 100 may include one or more signals 112. Numerous technologiescan be used to produce one or more signals within system 100. Forexample, in some embodiments, signals 112 may be radio frequencysignals, magnetic signals, infrared signals, digital signals, analogsignals, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units114 may receive one or more signals 112 from one or more comparing units106. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are received by one ormore recording units 116.

Receiving Unit

System 100 may include one or more receiving units 114. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 receive one or more signals112 from one or more comparing units 106. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 114 communicate with one or more recording units116. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 114 cancommunicate with one or more responding units 118. In some embodiments,one or more users 124 may interact with one or more receiving units 114through user interaction 122.

Recording Unit

System 100 may include one or more recording units 116. In someembodiments, one or more recording units 116 receive one or more signals112 from one or more comparing units 106. In some embodiments, one ormore recording units 116 communicate with one or more receiving units114. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116 communicatewith one or more responding units 1 18. In some embodiments, one or moreusers 124 may interact with one or more recording units 116 through userinteraction 122. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116may record one or more spaces 104 where one or more objects 102 haveentered. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116 may recordone or more spaces 104 where one or more objects 102 have not entered.In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116 may record when oneor more objects 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore recording units 116 may record the frequency with which one or moreobjects 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments, one or morerecording units 116 may record one or more sterilization methods used tosterilize one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, one or morerecording units 116 may record one or more sterilization levels 110 thathave been assigned to one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, oneor more recording units 116 may record changes made to one or moresterilization levels 110 that have been associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116 mayrecord changes made to one or more sterilization statuses 108 that havebeen associated with one or more objects 102. In some embodiments, oneor more recording units 116 may record if one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102 are within one ormore ranges of values associated with one or more sterilization levels110. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 116 may record ifone or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one or moreobjects 102 are outside one or more ranges of values associated with oneor more sterilization levels 110.

Responding Unit

System 100 may include one or more responding units 118. In someembodiments, one or more responding units 118 communicate with one ormore receiving units 114. In some embodiments, one or more respondingunits 1 18 communicate with one or more recording units 116. In someembodiments, one or more users 124 can interact with one or moreresponding units 118 through user interaction 122. In some embodiments,one or more responding units 118 can generate one or more controlsignals 120. Numerous technologies can be used to generate one or morecontrol signals 120 within system 100. For example, in some embodiments,control signals 120 may be radio frequency signals, magnetic signals,infrared signals, digital signals, analog signals, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more responding units 118 can change thesterilization status 108 associated with one or more objects 102. Insome embodiments, one or more responding units 118 can change thesterilization level 110 associated with one or more spaces 104.

Control Signal

System 100 may include one or more control signals 120. In someembodiments, one or more control signals 120 are associated with one ormore sterilization units 126. In some embodiments, one or more controlsignals 120 are associated with one or more recording units 116. In someembodiments, one or more control signals 120 are associated with one ormore alert units 128. In some embodiments, one or more control signals120 are associated with one or more control units 130. In someembodiments, one or more control signals 120 are generated by one ormore responding units 118.

Sterilization Unit

System 100 may include one or more sterilization units 126. Numeroustypes of sterilization units 126 may be used within system 100. Examplesof such sterilization units 126 include, but are not limited to, thosethat utilize chemicals, ultraviolet light, gamma radiation, sonicradiation, heat, and the like to sterilize an object 102 or space 104.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can sterilizeone or more objects 102 in response to a control signal 120 receivedfrom one or more responding units 118. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 126 can sterilize one or more spaces 104 in responseto a control signal 120 received from one or more responding units 118.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102.

Alert Unit

System 100 may include one or more alert units 128. In some embodiments,one or more alert units 128 can indicate if one or more objects 102 haveone or more sterilization statuses 108 that are outside one or moreranges of values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or morealert units 128 can indicate if one or more objects 102 have one or moresterilization statuses 108 that are within one or more ranges of valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with oneor more spaces 104.

Control Unit

System 100 may include one or more control units 130. Control units 130may be coupled to numerous devices to provide for control of the devicesby system 100. For example, in some embodiments, one or more controlunits 130 can be coupled to one or more door locks to allow one or moreobjects 102 to enter into, or exit from, one or more spaces 104.

User Interaction

The system 100 may provide for user interaction 122. In someembodiments, a user 124 may interact with one or more responding units118, one or more recording units 116, one or more receiving units 114,one or more comparing units 106, one or more sterilization units 126,one or more alert units 128, one or more control units 130 and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. The user 124 can interact throughuse of numerous technologies. For example, user interaction 122 canoccur through use of hardwired methods, such as through use of akeyboard, use of wireless methods, use of the internet, and the like. Insome embodiments, a user 124 is human. In some embodiments, a user 124is not human.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a monitoring method.In FIG. 2 and in following figures that include various examples ofoperations used during performance of the monitoring method, discussionand explanation may be provided with respect to the above-describedexample of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts.However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed ina number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1. Also, although the various operations are presented in thesequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes an operation210 involving comparing one or more sterilization statuses associatedwith one or more objects to one or more sterilization levels associatedwith one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 compare one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated withone or more objects 102 to one or more sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 compare one sterilization status 108 to onesterilization level 110. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 compare one or more sterilization statuses 108 to onesterilization level 110. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 compare one sterilization status 108 to one or moresterilization levels 110. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 compare one or more values associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 to one or more values associated with one ormore sterilization levels 110. In some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 compare one or more values associated with one ormore sterilization statuses 108 to one or more ranges of valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, comparing includes determining if one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 are equal to oneor more values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, comparing includes determining if one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 are greater thanone or more values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.In some embodiments, comparing includes determining if one or morevalues associated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 are lessthan one or more values associated with one or more sterilization levels110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102 can be designated as beingsterile or non-sterile. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102 can be designatedas being sterile for one or more types of contamination and non-sterilefor one or more other types of contamination. Accordingly, one or morecomparing units 106 can compare one or more sterilization statuses 108with one or more sterilization levels 110 with regard to one or moretypes of contamination. In some embodiments, comparing includesdetermining if one or more values associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 are within one or more ranges of valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, comparing includes determining if one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 are outside ofone or more ranges of values associated with one or more sterilizationlevels 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization statuses 108may be associated with one or more objects 102 according to one or moresterilization methods that were used to sterilize the one or moreobjects 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization statuses 108may be associated with one or more objects 102 according to when the oneor more objects 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization statuses 108 may be associated with one or moreobjects 102 according to a standard, such as those put forth by theInternational Standards Organization. Accordingly, numerous methods maybe used to associate one or more sterilization statuses 108 with one ormore objects 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization levels110 may be associated with one or more spaces 104 according a level ofsterility desired for the one or more spaces 104. For example, anoperating room in a hospital may be associated with a highersterilization level 110 than a waiting room in a hospital. Accordingly,numerous methods and criteria may be used to associate one or moresterilization levels 110 with one or more spaces 104.

The operational flow 200 also includes a transmitting operation 220involving generating one or more signals in response to the comparing.In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may generate one ormore signals 112 in response to comparing one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102 to one or moresterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, the one or more signals 112 are received by one or morerecording units 116. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112are received by one or more receiving units 114. In some embodiments,the one or more signals 112 are received by one or more recording units116 and one or more receiving units 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments where thecomparing operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 302 and/or operation 304.

At operation 302, the comparing operation 210 may include determining ifone or more sterilization statuses 108 are within one or more complianceranges associated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may determine if one ormore sterilization statuses 108 are within one or more compliance rangesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, one or more compliance ranges may be associated with one ormore sterilization levels 110 according to the level of sterilitydesired for one or more spaces 104. For example, in some embodiments,one or more spaces 104, such as a hospital examination room thatincludes a human, may be associated with a medium sterilization level110 that allows entry of an object 102, such as a human, into the space104 if the object 102 is associated with a medium or highersterilization status 108. However, in some embodiments, one or morespaces 104, such as in a hospital operating room where a surgery is totake place, may be associated with a high sterilization level 110 thatallows entry of an object 102, such as a human or a surgical instrument,into the space 104 if the object 102 is associated with a highsterilization status 108. Accordingly, one or more sterilization levels110 associated with one or more spaces 104 can be selected based on thelevel of sterility desired for the one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, a sterilization level 110 may include a range of valuesthat may be satisfied by one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102. Accordingly, one or morecomparing units 106 can compare one or more sterilization statuses 108with a range of values associated with one or more sterilization levels110 to determine if the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102 comply with one or moresterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104.

At operation 304, the comparing operation 210 may include determining ifone or more sterilization statuses 108 are outside of one or morecompliance ranges associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may determine ifone or more sterilization statuses 108 are outside of one or morecompliance ranges associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.In some embodiments, one or more compliance ranges may be associatedwith one or more sterilization levels 110 according to the level ofsterility desired for one or more spaces 104. For example, in someembodiments, one or more spaces 104, such as a hospital examination roomthat includes a human, may be associated with a medium sterilizationlevel 110 that allows entry of an object 102, such as a human, into thespace 104 if the object 102 is associated with a medium or highersterilization status 108. However, in some embodiments, one or morespaces 104, such as in a hospital operating room where a surgery is totake place, may be associated with a high sterilization level 110 thatallows entry of an object 102, such as a human or a surgical instrument,into the space 104 if the object 102 is associated with a highsterilization status 108. Accordingly, one or more sterilization levels110 associated with one or more spaces 104 can be selected based on thelevel of sterility desired for the one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, a sterilization level 110 may include a range of valuesthat may be satisfied by one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102. Accordingly, one or morecomparing units 106 can compare one or more sterilization statuses 108with a range of values associated with one or more sterilization levels110 to determine if the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 does not comply with the oneor more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example embodiments where thegenerating operation 220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 402, 404, 406, 408 and/oroperation 410.

At operation 402, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with compliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with compliance of one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 having associated values that are greaterthan one or more values associated with one or more sterilization levels110. Accordingly, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 meet and/or exceed one ormore sterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore sterilization statuses 108 that are within a range of valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110. Accordingly, oneor more comparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108 meet and/orexceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 will allow the one ormore objects 102 to enter into the one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, such signals 112 will allow the one or more objects 102 toexit from the one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals112 may be recorded by one or more recording units 116 to recordcompliance with one or more sterilization levels 110 or one or moresterilization protocols.

At operation 404, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with noncompliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with noncompliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore sterilization statuses 108 that do not meet and/or exceed one ormore values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.Accordingly, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one or moresignals 112 indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 do not meet and/or exceedthe one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses 108 that are not within a rangeof values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.Accordingly, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one or moresignals 112 indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108do not meet and/or exceed one or more ranges of sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, suchsignals 112 will disallow the one or more objects 102 from entering intothe one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 willdisallow the one or more objects 102 from exiting from one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 may be recorded by oneor more recording units 116 to record noncompliance with one or moresterilization levels 110 or one or more sterilization protocols.

At operation 406, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with entry of one or more objects 102into one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 can generate one or more signals 112 associated with entry ofone or more objects 102 into one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may generate one or moresignals 112 associated with entry of one or more objects 102 into one ormore spaces 104 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that oneor more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one or more objects102 meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associatedwith the one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 associated withentry of one or more objects 102 into one or more spaces 104 after oneor more comparing units 106 determine that one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102 are within a rangeof values associates with one or more sterilization levels 110associated with the one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 associatedwith disallowing entry of one or more objects 102 into one or morespaces 104 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that one ormore sterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects102 do not meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110associated with the one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore comparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 associatedwith disallowing entry of one or more objects 102 into one or morespaces 104 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that one ormore sterilization statuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102are not within a range of values associated with one or moresterilization levels 110 that are associated with the one or more spaces104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such a generating operation 220may be used to allow one or more sterile objects 102, or one or moreobjects 102 having high sterilization status 108, entry into one or morespaces 104 that are sterile or that are associated with a high sterilitylevel I 10. In other embodiments, such a generating operation 220 may beused to prohibit one or more non-sterile objects 102, or one or moreobjects 102 having low sterilization status 108, from entry into one ormore spaces 104 that are sterile or that are associated with a highsterility level 110.

At operation 408, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with exit of one or more objects 102from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 can generate one or more signals 112 associated with exit ofone or more objects 102 from one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may generate one or moresignals 112 associated with exit of one or more objects 102 from one ormore spaces 104 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that oneor more sterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or moreobjects 102 meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or morecomparing units 106 may generate one or more signals 112 associated withdisallowing exit of one or more objects 102 from one or more spaces 104after one or more comparing units 106 determine that one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with one or more objects 102 donot meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associatedwith one or more spaces 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such agenerating operation 220 may be used to allow one or more sterileobjects 102, or one or more objects 102 having high sterilization status108, to exit from one or more spaces 104 that are sterile or that areassociated with a high sterility level 110. In other embodiments, such agenerating operation 220 may be used to prohibit one or more non-sterileobjects 102, or one or more objects 102 having low sterilization status108, from exiting one or more spaces 104 that are non-sterile or thatare associated with a low sterility level 110.

At operation 410, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128. Insome embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128. In someembodiments, one or more comparing units 106 may generate one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128 after one ormore comparing units 106 determine that one or more values associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one or moreobjects 102 meet and/or exceed one or more values associated with one ormore sterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104.For example, in some embodiments, a space 104 surrounding a patient in ahospital may be associated with a medium sterilization level 110. Anobject 102, such as a physician, that is associated with a medium orhigher sterilization status 108 may enter into the space 104 surroundingthe patient without causing one or more alert units 128 to indicatenoncompliance of the object 102 with the space 104. For example, one ormore alert units 128 may refrain from sounding an alarm, flashing a redlight, or other such indicator. In some embodiments, an object 102, suchas a physician, that is associated with a medium or higher sterilizationstatus 108 may enter into the space 104 surrounding the patient andcause one or more alert units 128 to indicate compliance of the object102 with the space 104. For example, one or more alert units 128 mayflash a green light, activate a voice recording indicating compliance,or other such indicator. In some embodiments, one or more comparingunits 106 may generate one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore alert units 128 after the one or more comparing units 106 determinethat one or more values associated with one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102 do not meetand/or exceed one or more values associated with one or moresterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces 104. Forexample, in some embodiments, a space 104 surrounding a patient in ahospital may be associated with a medium or higher sterilization level110. Entry of an object 102, such as a physician, that is associatedwith a low sterilization status 108 into the space 104 surrounding thepatient may cause one or more alert units 128 to indicate noncomplianceof the object 102 with the space 104. For example, one or more alertunits 128 may sound an alarm, flash a red light, or other suchindicator.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where thegenerating operation 220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 502, 504 and/or operation506.

At operation 502, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 116.In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 116. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 may be generated that indicateone or more positions of one or more objects 102 about one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 may be generated byone or more comparing units 106. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 may be recorded by one or more recording units 116. Forexample, in some embodiments, the positions of one or more surgicalinstruments may be tracked as they are moved about one or more spaces104 in a hospital. In addition, one or more signals 112 indicating thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102 may be generated. Insome embodiments, such signals 112 may be generated by one or morecomparing units 106. In some embodiments, these one or more signals 112may be recorded by one or more recording units 116. For example, in someembodiments, one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with one or more surgicalinstruments can be recorded by one or more recording units 116.Accordingly, one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with oneor more objects 102 can be tracked over time and recorded by one or morerecording units 116. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112indicating the position and sterilization status 108 of one or moreobjects 102 about one or more spaces 104 can be generated. Such signals112 can be recorded by one or more recording units 116. In someembodiments, such recorded signals 112 may be used to monitor and/orreport compliance or noncompliance with one or more protocols associatedwith one or more spaces 104. For example, a hospital may have anestablished protocol with regard to sterilization procedures used tosterilize surgical instruments. Records indicating when and where thesurgical instruments were sterilized and where the instruments weretransported may establish adherence to a sterilization protocol.

At operation 504, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals associated with one or more sterilization units. Insome embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sterilization units 126. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 may be generated that instructone or more sterilization units 126 to sterilize one or more objects102. For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals 112 may begenerated that indicate that one or more objects 102 are associated withone or more low sterilization statuses 108 and should be sterilized.Accordingly, one or more signals 112 may be received by one or moresterilization units 126 that will act to sterilize one or more objects102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 may be generated thatindicate that one or more objects 102 are associated with one or morehigh sterilization statuses 108 and should not be sterilized.Accordingly, one or more signals 112 may be received by one or moresterilization units 126 that will then refrain from sterilizing one ormore objects 102. In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106can change the sterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can changethe sterilization status 108 of one or more non-sterile objects 102 tosterile after the one or more objects 102 have been sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102. For example, insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more non-sterile objects 102 tosterile after the one or more objects 102 have been sterilized. Forexample, in some embodiments, a physician may initially be associatedwith a medium or higher sterilization status 108 upon entering into afirst space 104 that is associated with a medium sterilization level 110and that includes a first patient. Upon leaving the first space 104after examining the first patient, one or more comparing units 106 maychange the sterilization status 108 associated with the physician to alow sterilization status 108. In some embodiments, the physician nowassociated with low sterilization status 108 after examining the firstpatient may be prohibited from entering into a second space 104 that isassociated with a medium sterilization level 110 and that includes asecond patient. One or more comparing units 106 may generate one or moresignals 112 indicating that one or more sterilization agents need to beapplied to the physician. Accordingly, one or more sterilization units126 may be utilized to apply one or more sterilization agents to thephysician. Upon completion of one or more sterilization procedures, thesterilization status 108 associated with the physician may be changed toa medium or higher sterilization status 108. In some embodiments, thesterilization status 108 associated with the physician may be changed byone or more comparing units 106, by one or more sterilization units 126,and/or substantially any combination thereof. The physician may now beallowed entry into the second space 104 as the physician is nowassociated with a medium or higher sterilization status 108. Suchmethods may be utilized with numerous objects 102.

At operation 506, the generating operation 220 may include generatingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more control units 130.In some embodiments, one or more comparing units 106 can generate one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more control units 130. Controlunits 130 may be configured in numerous ways. Examples of ways in whicha control unit 130 may be configured include, but are not limited to,locks, doors, lights, switches, internet connections, transmitters,receivers, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more controlsignals 120 may be generated that are associated with one or morecontrol units 130 that may be configured as part of a lock or a door.Accordingly, the one or more control signals 120 may control entry orexit from one or more spaces 104 having entry or exit that is controlledby such a lock or door. In some embodiments, one or more control units130 may be configured as a switch.

After a start operation, the operational flow 600 includes a receivingoperation 610 involving receiving one or more signals generated inresponse to comparing one or more sterilization statuses associated withone or more objects to one or more sterilization levels associated withone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units114 may receive one or more signals 112 generated in response tocomparing one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one ormore objects 102 to one or more sterilization levels 110 associated withone or more spaces 104.

The operational flow 600 also includes a responding operation 620involving responding to the receiving. In some embodiments, one or moreresponding units 118 generate one or more control signals 120 associatedwith receiving one or more signals 112 generated in response tocomparing one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one ormore objects 102 to one or more sterilization levels 110 associated withone or more spaces 104.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 610 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 702, 704, 706, 708 and/oroperation 710.

At operation 702, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals 112 associated with compliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with compliance of one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 having associated values that are greaterthan one or more values associated with one or more sterilization levels110. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more receiving units 114can receive one or more signals indicating that one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associated withone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 that are within arange of values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.Accordingly, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108meet and/or exceed the one or more sterilization levels 110 associatedwith one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 willallow the one or more objects 102 to enter into the one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 will be recorded by one ormore recording units 116 to record compliance with one or moresterilization levels 110 or one or more sterilization protocols.

At operation 704, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals associated with noncompliance of one or moresterilization statuses with one or more sterilization levels. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with noncompliance of one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 that do not meet and/or exceed one or morevalues associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.Accordingly, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 do not meet and/or exceedthe one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses 108 that are not within a rangeof values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.Accordingly, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 indicating that the one or more sterilization statuses 108do not meet and/or exceed one or more ranges of sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, suchsignals 112 will disallow the one or more objects 102 from entering intothe one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 willbe recorded by one or more recording units 116 to record noncompliancewith one or more sterilization levels 110 or one or more sterilizationprotocols.

At operation 706, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals associated with entry of one or more objects into one ormore spaces. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units 114 canreceive one or more signals 112 associated with entry of one or moreobjects 102 into one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units 114 may receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith entry of one or more objects 102 into one or more spaces 104 fromone or more comparing units 106 which determined that the one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associated withthe one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits 114 may receive one or more signals 112 associated with entry ofone or more objects 102 into one or more spaces 104 from one or morecomparing units 106 which determines that the one or more sterilizationstatuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102 are within arange of values associated with one or more sterilization levels 110that are associated with the one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 may receive one or moresignals 112 associated with disallowing entry of one or more objects 102into one or more spaces 104 from one or more comparing units 106 whichdetermined that the one or more sterilization statuses 108 associatedwith the one or more objects 102 do not meet and/or exceed one or moresterilization levels 110 associated with the one or more spaces 104. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units 114 may receive one ormore signals 112 associated with disallowing entry of one or moreobjects 102 into one or more spaces 104 from one or more comparing units106 which determined that the one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 are not within a range ofvalues associated with one or more sterilization levels 110 that areassociated with the one or more spaces 104. Accordingly, in someembodiments, such a receiving operation 610 may be used to allow one ormore sterile objects 102, or one or more objects 102 having highsterilization status 108, entry into one or more spaces 104 that aresterile or that are associated with a high sterility level 110. In otherembodiments, such a receiving operation 610 may be used to prohibit oneor more non-sterile objects 102, or one or more objects 102 having lowsterilization status 108, from entry into one or more spaces 104 thatare sterile or that are associated with a high sterility level 110.

At operation 708, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals 112 associated with exit of one or more objects 102 fromone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units114 can receive one or more signals 112 associated with exit of one ormore objects 102 from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, oneor more receiving units 114 may receive one or more signals 112associated with exit of one or more objects 102 from one or more spaces104 from one or more comparing units 106 which determine that the one ormore sterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects102 meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associatedwith one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits 114 may receive one or more signals 112 associated withdisallowing exit of one or more objects 102 from one or more spaces 104from one or more comparing units 106 which determined that one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102do not meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110associated with one or more spaces 104. Accordingly, in someembodiments, such a receiving operation 610 may be used to allow one ormore sterile objects 102, or one or more objects 102 having highsterilization status 108, to exit from one or more spaces 104 that aresterile or that are associated with a high sterility level 110. In otherembodiments, such a receiving operation 610 may be used to prohibit oneor more non-sterile objects 102, or one or more objects 102 having lowsterilization status 108, from exiting one or more spaces 104 that arenon-sterile or that are associated with a low sterility level 110.

At operation 710, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 may receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more alert units 128 from one or morecomparing units 106 which determined that one or more values associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with the one ormore objects 102 meet and/or exceed one or more values associated withone or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or more spaces104. For example, in some embodiments, a space 104 surrounding a patientin a hospital may be associated with a medium sterilization level 110.An object 102, such as a physician, that is associated with a medium orhigher sterilization status 108 may enter into the space 104 surroundingthe patient without causing one or more alert units 128 to indicatenoncompliance of the object 102 with the space 104. For example, one ormore alert units 128 may refrain from sounding an alarm, flashing a redlight, or other such indicator. In some embodiments, an object 102, suchas a physician, that is associated with a medium or higher sterilizationstatus 108 may enter into the space 104 surrounding the patient andcause one or more alert units 128 to indicate compliance of the object102 with the space 104. For example, one or more alert units 128 mayflash a green light, activate a voice recording indicating compliance,or other such indicator. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits 114 may receive one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore alert units 128 from one or more comparing units 106 whichdetermined that one or more values associated with one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102are less than a value associated with one or more sterilization levels110 associated with one or more spaces 104. For example, in someembodiments, a space 104 surrounding a patient in a hospital may beassociated with a medium sterilization level 110. An object 102, such asa physician, that is associated with a low sterilization status 108 mayenter into the space 104 surrounding the patient and cause one or morealert units 128 to indicate noncompliance of the object 102 with thespace 104. For example, one or more alert units 128 may sound an alarm,flash a red light, or other such indicator.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 610 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 802, 804 and/or operation806.

At operation 802, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 116. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 116. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 may be received that indicateone or more positions of one or more objects 102 about one or morespaces 104. In some embodiments, such signals 112 may be received fromone or more comparing units 106. In some embodiments, positions of oneor more surgical instruments may be tracked as they are moved about oneor more spaces 104 in a hospital. In addition, one or more signals 112indicating the sterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102 maybe received. In some embodiments, such signals 112 may be received byone or more receiving units 114. In some embodiments, these one or moresignals 112 may be recorded by one or more recording units 116. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals 112 associated withone or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with one or moresurgical instruments can be received and recorded by one or morerecording units 116. Accordingly, one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with one or more objects 102 can be tracked over time andrecorded by one or more recording units 116. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 indicating the position and sterilization status 108 ofone or more objects 102 about one or more spaces 104 can be received.Such signals 112 can be recorded by one or more recording units 116. Insome embodiments, such recorded signals 112 may be used to monitorand/or report compliance or noncompliance with one or more protocolsassociated with one or more spaces 104. For example, a hospital may havean established protocol with regard to sterilization procedures used tosterilize surgical instruments. Records indicating when and where thesurgical instruments were sterilized and where the instruments weretransported may establish adherence to a sterilization protocol.

At operation 804, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals associated with one or more sterilization units. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more sterilization units 126. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 may be received that instruct oneor more sterilization units 126 to sterilize one or more objects 102.For example, in some embodiments, one or more signals 112 may bereceived that indicate that one or more objects 102 are associated withone or more low sterilization statuses 108 and should be sterilized.Accordingly, one or more signals 112 may be received by one or moresterilization units 126 that will act to sterilize one or more objects102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 may be received thatindicate that one or more objects 102 are associated with one or morehigh sterilization statuses 108 and should not be sterilized.Accordingly, one or more signals 112 may be received by one or moresterilization units 126 that will then refrain from sterilizing one ormore objects 102.

At operation 806, the receiving operation 610 may include receiving oneor more signals associated with one or more control units. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more control units 130. Control units130 may be configured in numerous ways. Examples of ways in which acontrol unit 130 may be configured include, but are not limited to,locks, doors, lights, switches, internet connections, transmitters,receivers, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112may be received that are associated with one or more control units 130that may be configured as part of a lock or a door. Accordingly, the oneor more signals 112 may control entry or exit from one or more spaces104 having entry or exit that is controlled by such a lock or door. Insome embodiments, one or more control units 130 may be configured as aswitch.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where theresponding operation 620 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 902, 904, 906, 908, 910and/or operation 912.

At operation 902, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with entry of one or moreobjects 102 into one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore responding units 118 can generate one or more control signals 120associated with entry of one or more objects 102 into one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generateone or more control signals 120 associated with entry of one or moreobjects 102 into one or more spaces 104 after one or more comparingunits 106 determine that one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 meet and/or exceed one ormore sterilization levels 110 associated with the one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generateone or more control signals 120 associated with entry of one or moreobjects 102 into one or more spaces 104 after one or more comparingunits 106 determine that one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 are within a range of valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with theone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one or more respondingunits 118 may generate one or more control signals 120 associated withdisallowing entry of one or more objects 102 into one or more spaces 104after one or more comparing units 106 determine that one or moresterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or more objects 102do not meet and/or exceed one or more sterilization levels 110associated with the one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore responding units 118 may generate one or more control signals 120associated with disallowing entry of one or more objects 102 into one ormore spaces 104 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that theone or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with the one or moreobjects 102 are not within a range of values associated with one or moresterilization levels 110 that are associated with the one or more spaces104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such a responding operation 620may be used to allow one or more sterile objects 102, or one or moreobjects 102 having high sterilization status 108, entry into one or morespaces 104 that are sterile or that are associated with a high sterilitylevel 110. In other embodiments, such a responding operation 620 may beused to prohibit one or more non-sterile objects 102, or one or moreobjects 102 having low sterilization status 108, from entry into one ormore spaces 104 that are sterile or that are associated with a highsterility level 110.

At operation 904, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with exit of one or moreobjects 102 from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, one ormore responding units 118 can generate one or more control signals 120associated with exit of one or more objects 102 from one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generateone or more control signals 120 associated with exit of one or moreobjects 102 from one or more spaces 104 after one or more comparingunits 106 determine that one or more sterilization statuses 108associated with the one or more objects 102 meet and/or exceed one ormore sterilization levels 110 associated with the one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generateone or more control signals 120 associated with disallowing exit of oneor more objects 102 from one or more spaces 104 after one or morecomparing units 106 determine that one or more sterilization statuses108 associated with the one or more objects 102 do not meet and/orexceed one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with one or morespaces 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such a respondingoperation 620 may be used to allow one or more sterile objects 102, orone or more objects 102 having high sterilization status 108, to exitfrom one or more spaces 104 that are sterile or that are associated witha high sterility level 110. In other embodiments, such a respondingoperation 620 may be used to prohibit one or more non-sterile objects102, or one or more objects 102 having low sterilization status 108,from exiting one or more spaces 104 that are non-sterile or that areassociated with a low sterility level 110.

At operation 906, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with one or more alert units128. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 can generateone or more control signals 120 associated with one or more alert units128. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generateone or more control signals 120 associated with one or more alert units128 after one or more comparing units 106 determine that one or morevalues associated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 associatedwith one or more objects 102 meet and/or exceed one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with oneor more spaces 104. For example, in some embodiments, a space 104surrounding a patient in a hospital may be associated with a mediumsterilization level 110. An object 102, such as a physician, that isassociated with a medium or higher sterilization status 108 may enterinto the space 104 surrounding the patient without causing one or morealert units 128 to indicate noncompliance of the object 102 with thespace 104. For example, one or more alert units 128 may refrain fromsounding an alarm, flashing a red light, or other such indicator. Insome embodiments, an object 102, such as a physician, that is associatedwith a medium or higher sterilization status 108 may enter into thespace 104 surrounding the patient and cause one or more alert units 128to indicate compliance of the object 102 with the space 104. Forexample, one or more alert units 128 may flash a green light, activate avoice recording indicating compliance, or other such indicator. In someembodiments, one or more responding units 118 may generate one or morecontrol signals 120 associated with one or more alert units 128 afterone or more comparing units 106 determine that one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated withthe one or more objects 102 do not meet and/or exceed one or more valuesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110 associated with oneor more spaces 104. For example, in some embodiments, a space 104surrounding a patient in a hospital may be associated with a mediumsterilization level 110. Entry of an object 102, such as a physician,that is associated with a low sterilization status 108 into the space104 surrounding the patient may cause one or more alert units 128 toindicate noncompliance of the object 102 with the space 104. Forexample, one or more alert units 128 may sound an alarm, flash a redlight, or other such indicator.

At operation 908, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with one or more recordingunits 116. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 cangenerate one or more control signals 120 associated with one or morerecording units 116. In some embodiments, one or more control signals120 may be generated that indicate one or more positions of one or moreobjects 102 about one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, suchcontrol signals 120 may be generated by one or more responding units118. In some embodiments, the one or more control signals 120 may berecorded by one or more recording units 116. For example, in someembodiments, the positions of one or more surgical instruments may betracked as they are moved about one or more spaces 104, such as in ahospital. In addition, one or more control signals 120 indicating thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102 may be generated. Insome embodiments, such control signals 120 may be generated by one ormore responding units 118. In some embodiments, these one or morecontrol signals 120 may be recorded by one or more recording units 116.For example, in some embodiments, one or more control signals 120associated with one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated withone or more surgical instruments can be generated by one or moreresponding units 118 and recorded by one or more recording units 116.Accordingly, one or more sterilization statuses 108 associated with oneor more objects 102 can be tracked over time and recorded by one or morerecording units 116. In some embodiments, one or more control signals120 indicating the position and sterilization status 108 of one or moreobjects 102 about one or more spaces 104 can be generated. Such controlsignals 120 can be generated by one or more responding units 118 andrecorded by one or more recording units 116. In some embodiments, suchrecorded control signals 120 may be used to monitor and/or reportcompliance or noncompliance with one or more protocols associated withone or more spaces 104. For example, a hospital may have an establishedprotocol with regard to sterilization procedures used to sterilizesurgical instruments. Records indicating when and where the surgicalinstruments were sterilized and where the instruments were transportedmay establish adherence to a sterilization protocol.

At operation 910, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with one or moresterilization units 126. In some embodiments, one or more respondingunits 118 can generate one or more control signals 120 associated withone or more sterilization units 126. In some embodiments, one or morecontrol signals 120 may be generated that instruct one or moresterilization units 126 to sterilize one or more objects 102. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more control signals 120 may begenerated that indicate that one or more objects 102 are associated withone or more low sterilization statuses 108 and should be sterilized.Accordingly, the one or more control signals 120 may be received by oneor more sterilization units 126 that will act to sterilize the one ormore objects 102. In some embodiments, one or more control signals 120may be generated that indicate that one or more objects 102 areassociated with one or more high sterilization statuses 108 and shouldnot be sterilized. Accordingly, the one or more control signals 120 maybe received by one or more sterilization units 126 that will thenrefrain from sterilizing the one or more objects 102. In someembodiments, one or more responding units 118 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102. For example, insome embodiments, one or more responding units 118 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more non-sterile objects 102 tosterile after the one or more objects 102 have been sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more objects 102. For example, insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 126 can change thesterilization status 108 of one or more non-sterile objects 102 tosterile after the one or more objects 102 have been sterilized. Forexample, in some embodiments, a physician may initially be associatedwith a medium or higher sterilization status 108 upon entering into afirst space 104 that is associated with a medium sterilization level 110and that includes a first patient. Upon leaving the first space 104after examining the first patient, one or more responding units 118 maychange the sterilization status 108 associated with the physician to alow sterilization status 108. In some embodiments, the physician nowassociated with low sterilization status 108 after examining the firstpatient may be prohibited from entering into a second space 104 that isassociated with a medium sterilization level 110 and that includes asecond patient. One or more responding units 118 may generate one ormore control signals 120 indicating that one or more sterilizationagents need to be applied to the physician. Accordingly, one or moresterilization units 126 may be utilized to apply one or moresterilization agents to the physician. Upon completion of one or moresterilization procedures, the sterilization status 108 associated withthe physician may be changed to a medium or higher sterilization status108. In some embodiments, the sterilization status 108 associated withthe physician may be changed by one or more responding units 118, by oneor more sterilization units 126, and/or substantially any combinationthereof. The physician may now be allowed entry into the second space104 as the physician is now associated with a medium or highersterilization status 108. Such methods may be utilized with numerousobjects 102.

At operation 912, the responding operation 620 may include generatingone or more control signals 120 associated with one or more controlunits 130. In some embodiments, one or more responding units 118 cangenerate one or more control signals 120 associated with one or morecontrol units 130. Control units 130 may be configured in numerous ways.Examples of ways in which a control unit 130 may be configured include,but are not limited to, locks, doors, lights, switches, internetconnections, transmitters, receivers, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more control signals 120 may be generated that are associatedwith one or more control units 130 that may be configured as part of alock or a door. Accordingly, the one or more control signals 120 maycontrol entry or exit from one or more spaces 104 having entry or exitthat is controlled by such a lock or door. In some embodiments, one ormore control units 130 may be configured as a switch.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow 1000 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a monitoring system.In FIG. 10 and in following figures that include various examples ofoperations used during performance of the sterilization method,discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examplesand contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations maybe executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/ormodified versions of FIG. I. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1000 includes an operation1010 involving circuitry for comparing one or more sterilizationstatuses associated with one or more objects to one or moresterilization levels associated with one or more spaces 104. In someembodiments, the circuitry may be used for determining if the one ormore sterilization statuses 108 are within one or more compliance rangesassociated with one or more sterilization levels 110. In someembodiments, the circuitry may be used for determining if the one ormore sterilization statuses 108 are outside of one or more complianceranges associated with one or more sterilization levels 110.

The operational flow 1000 also includes an operation 1020 involvingcircuitry for generating one or more signals in response to thecomparing. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used for generatingone or more signals 112 associated with compliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels I 10.In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used for generating one ormore signals 112 associated with noncompliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, the circuitry may be used for generating one or moresignals 112 associated with entry of one or more objects 102 into one ormore spaces 104. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used forgenerating one or more signals 112 associated with exit of one or moreobjects 102 from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, thecircuitry may be used for generating one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more alert units 128. In some embodiments, the circuitry maybe used for generating one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore recording units 116. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be usedfor generating one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization units 126. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be usedfor generating one or more signals 112 associated with one or morecontrol units 130.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow 1100 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a monitoring system.While FIG. 11 illustrates various examples of operations used duringperformance of the sterilization method, discussion and explanation maybe provided with respect to the above-described example of FIG. 1,and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it shouldbe understood that the operations may be executed in a number of otherenvironments and contexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1. Also,although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s)illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may beperformed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may beperformed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1100 includes an operation1110 involving circuitry for receiving one or more signals generated inresponse to comparing one or more sterilization statuses associated withone or more objects to one or more sterilization levels associated withone or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be usedfor receiving one or more signals 112 associated with compliance of oneor more sterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels110. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used for receiving theone or more signals 112 associated with noncompliance of one or moresterilization statuses 108 with one or more sterilization levels 110. Insome embodiments, the circuitry may be used for receiving one or moresignals 112 associated with entry of one or more objects 102 into one ormore spaces 104. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used forreceiving one or more signals 112 associated with exit of one or moreobjects 102 from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, thecircuitry may be used for receiving one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more alert units 128. In some embodiments, the circuitry maybe used for receiving the one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore recording units 116. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be usedfor receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization units 126. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be usedfor receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one or morecontrol units 130.

The operational flow 1100 also includes an operation 1120 involvingcircuitry for responding to the receiving. In some embodiments, thecircuitry may be used for generating one or more control signals 120associated with entry of one or more objects 102 into one or more spaces104. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be used for generating oneor more control signals 120 associated with exit of one or more objects102 from one or more spaces 104. In some embodiments, the circuitry maybe used for generating one or more control signals 120 associated withone or more alert units 128. In some embodiments, the circuitry may beused for generating one or more control signals 120 associated with oneor more recording units 116. In some embodiments, the circuitry may beused for generating one or more control signals 120 associated with oneor more sterilization units 126. In some embodiments, the circuitry maybe used for generating one or more control signals 120 associated withone or more control units 130.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by theappended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., ” a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., ” a system having atleast one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systemsthat have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electromechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magneticallyactuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, asused herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., anactuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofrandom access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical orother analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatexamples of electromechanical systems include but are not limited to avariety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems suchas motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, securitysystems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that electromechanical as used herein is not necessarilylimited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuationexcept as context may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the fashion(s)set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or businesspractices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/orsystems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems.That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/orsystems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/orprocesses and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation.Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such otherdevices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate tocontext and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/orsystems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, hovercraft,helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck,locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building(e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., arefrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communicationssystem (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a voice-over IPsystem, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider(ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), or(g) a wired/wireless services entity such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel,etc.), etc.

Although user 124 is shown/described herein as a single illustratedfigure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that user 124 may berepresentative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computationalentity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user maybe assisted by one or more robotic agents). In addition, user 124, asset forth herein, although shown as a single entity may in fact becomposed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/orother entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated and/or incommunication with each other can also be viewed as being “operablycouplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specificexamples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physicallymateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelesslyinteractable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logicallyinteracting and/or logically interactable components.

1. A method comprising: comparing one or more sterilization statusesassociated with one or more objects to one or more sterilization levelsassociated with one or more spaces; and generating one or more signalsin response to the comparing.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomparing one or more sterilization statuses associated with one or moreobjects to one or more sterilization levels associated with one or morespaces comprises: determining if the one or more sterilization statusesare within one or more compliance ranges associated with the one or moresterilization levels.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the comparingone or more sterilization statuses associated with one or more objectsto one or more sterilization levels associated with one or more spacescomprises: determining if the one or more sterilization statuses areoutside of one or more compliance ranges associated with the one or moresterilization levels.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the generatingone or more signals in response to the comparing comprises: generatingthe one or more signals associated with compliance of the one or moresterilization statuses with the one or more sterilization levels.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the generating one or more signals inresponse to the comparing comprises: generating the one or more signalsassociated with noncompliance of the one or more sterilization statuseswith the one or more sterilization levels.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the generating one or more signals in response to the comparingcomprises: generating the one or more signals associated with entry ofthe one or more objects into the one or more spaces.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the generating one or more signals in response to thecomparing comprises: generating the one or more signals associated withexit of the one or more objects from the one or more spaces.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the generating one or more signals inresponse to the comparing comprises: generating the one or more signalsassociated with one or more alert units.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the generating one or more signals in response to the comparingcomprises: generating the one or more signals associated with one ormore recording units.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the generatingone or more signals in response to the comparing comprises: generatingthe one or more signals associated with one or more sterilization units.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating one or more signals inresponse to the comparing comprises: generating the one or more signalsassociated with one or more control units.
 12. A method comprising:receiving one or more signals generated in response to comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces; andresponding to the receiving.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thereceiving one or more signals generated in response to comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spacescomprises: receiving the one or more signals associated with complianceof the one or more sterilization statuses with the one or moresterilization levels.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the receivingone or more signals generated in response to comparing one or moresterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to one ormore sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces comprises:receiving the one or more signals associated with noncompliance of theone or more sterilization statuses with the one or more sterilizationlevels.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving one or moresignals generated in response to comparing one or more sterilizationstatuses associated with one or more objects to one or moresterilization levels associated with one or more spaces comprises:receiving the one or more signals associated with entry of the one ormore objects into the one or more spaces.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the receiving one or more signals generated in response tocomparing one or more sterilization statuses associated with one or moreobjects to one or more sterilization levels associated with one or morespaces comprises: receiving the one or more signals associated with exitof the one or more objects from the one or more spaces.
 17. The methodof claim 12, wherein the receiving one or more signals generated inresponse to comparing one or more sterilization statuses associated withone or more objects to one or more sterilization levels associated withone or more spaces comprises: receiving the one or more signalsassociated with one or more alert units.
 18. The method of claim 12,wherein the receiving one or more signals generated in response tocomparing one or more sterilization statuses associated with one or moreobjects to one or more sterilization levels associated with one or morespaces comprises: receiving the one or more signals associated with oneor more recording units.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein thereceiving one or more signals generated in response to comparing one ormore sterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to oneor more sterilization levels associated with one or more spacescomprises: receiving the one or more signals associated with one or moresterilization units.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the receivingone or more signals generated in response to comparing one or moresterilization statuses associated with one or more objects to one ormore sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces comprises:receiving the one or more signals associated with one or more controlunits.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein the responding to thereceiving comprises: generating one or more control signals associatedwith entry of the one or more objects into the one or more spaces. 22.The method of claim 12, wherein the responding to the receivingcomprises: generating one or more control signals associated with exitof the one or more objects from the one or more spaces.
 23. The methodof claim 12, wherein the responding to the receiving comprises:generating one or more control signals associated with one or more alertunits.
 24. The method of claim 12, wherein the responding to thereceiving comprises: generating one or more control signals associatedwith one or more recording units.
 25. The method of claim 12, whereinthe responding to the receiving comprises: generating one or morecontrol signals associated with one or more sterilization units.
 26. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the responding to the receiving comprises:generating one or more control signals associated with one or morecontrol units.
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. A system comprising:means for comparing one or more sterilization statuses associated withone or more objects to one or more sterilization levels associated withone or more spaces; and means for generating one or more signals inresponse to the comparing.
 30. A system comprising: means for receivingone or more signals generated in response to comparing one or moresterilization Statuses associated with one or more objects to one ormore sterilization levels associated with one or more spaces; and meansfor responding to the receiving.